United South Central Elementary
April/May - Rebel Review - Rebel Preview
Principal's Corner
Happy Spring,
As we welcome April and embrace the warmth of spring, we are reminded that the end of the 2023-24 school term is approaching, bringing with it a sense of renewal and growth, both academically and socially. Over the past months at USC, we have witnessed remarkable progress and achievements, and I am immensely proud of every one of our students for their hard work and dedication.
Throughout the year, our emphasis on reading as a cornerstone of our educational goals has remained steadfast. Recognizing that reading serves as the gateway to all other academic disciplines, we have worked hard to ensure that students receive the necessary support to become proficient readers. As our elementary staff completes their final Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) training, we take stock of the significant strides made. This year, introducing UFLI (explicit phonics instruction) alongside decodable readers has led to remarkable advancements in decoding, spelling, and overall literacy skills among our students at the Tier I level.
We look forward to seeing continued progress and success in the upcoming year.
On the social-emotional front, we have prioritized social and emotional learning to foster positive interactions and relationships among our students. This commitment is evident through initiatives such as tier I social and emotional support, the implementation of the Be Good People curriculum, and Mission Mondays. Our dedication to reinforcing our Rebel Rights (Be Respectful ∙ Be Responsible ∙ Be Safe) remains constant, and we highly value the partnership with parents in instilling these values both at school and in the broader community.
As we near the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) scheduled for April 11 for grades 3 - 6, it's important to understand that while these assessments provide valuable data for evaluating our instructional effectiveness and identifying areas for improvement, they offer only a snapshot of your child's progress throughout the year. Our dedicated staff witnesses significant growth and achievements in each student daily, which go beyond what assessment data alone can capture. Therefore, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on and celebrate the important milestones of progress, growth, and achievement you observe in your child. By dedicating time to celebrate these moments, we affirm the unique and wonderful qualities of every student at USC.
As we enter the final stretch of the school year, let's continue to inspire our students to strive for excellence and prepare for the challenges ahead. I commend our teachers and staff for their dedication, and I wish everyone a joyful and productive spring season ahead.
Warm Regards,
Jennifer Taylor
USC Elementary Principal
It’s a Great Day to be a Rebel!
Rebel Rights: Be Responsible, Be Respectful, Be Safe
Important Dates to Remember
April 2 - Start of the Fourth Quarter
April 8 - Book Blast Begins
April 10, 11, & 12 - Reading MCA (grades 3 - 6)
April 16, 17, & 18 - Math MCA (grades 3 - 6)
April 23, 24, & 25 - Science MCA (grade 5)
April 26- 3rd & 4th-grade dance party- 2 p.m. (Parents Welcome)
May 1 - Two-Hour Early Out
Let's Keep Reading!
With Spring comes our busy evenings with after-school sports, clubs, and activities. While our students need to stay active and participate in various social activities, we want to remind you of the importance of our USC Rebels reading every night. This can be done independently or by a family member or friend conducting a read-aloud. It is important to remember that reading books aloud to your children not only stimulates their imagination but also expands their understanding of the world as they develop language and listening skills.
Books Are Fun - Book Blast is Coming (Grades PreK - 8)
During the month of April, USC Elementary will be partnered with Books Are Fun and their Book Blast Program to help build our students ‘home library.’ The book blast will last two weeks. We will give away treasure chest prizes and an iPad to registered students. Books are Fun has been in business for over 30 years and promotes literacy efforts by putting at least one book in the hands of every student. Students registered through a link, and community members pledged students by donating money for books. In the past two years, we have raised enough money so that every student receives at least one book. Be on the lookout for information.
Thank you to everyone who pledged money to put books in the hands of our USC Rebels. We are beyond grateful, and you are truly inspiring.
Fundraisers for Audie
At USC, we are United in standing with Audie Olsen and her family as she courageously battles leukemia. We have organized a series of fundraisers to demonstrate our solidarity and support. We will be having penny wars coming up. Your generosity and support are deeply appreciated.
Two Days Left to Order Your Yearbook!
Remember to preserve your child's precious memories by ordering a USC Elementary yearbook, capturing their growth and milestones throughout the school year. Yearbooks are available for order until April 4, costing $17.00. Order forms were sent out in December. If you require an additional form, there are extras in the elementary office.
Payment can be made in cash, by check (made out to Strawbridge), or through credit card (online orders include a fee).
To order online, visit the link: https://strawbridge.fotomerchanthv.com/search/YB29666.
Ensure you secure this lasting tribute to your child's elementary experience.
Elementary School Vitals
Entrance into the Building
We kindly request that parents drop off and pick up students outside the main doors for safety reasons. If a parent/guardian needs to access the school building for any reason, they are required to check in at the elementary or high school office and get a name badge prior to entering the building. Ensuring the safety of our students remains our utmost concern, and we appreciate your cooperation in the matter.
Drop off and pick up at USC Elementary
Students will enter the school by the main door by the elementary office
Students can enter the building at 8:10 A.M. after they are lined up outside. Please be mindful to drop your students off as close to 8:10 A.M. as possible to alleviate a long wait before the start of the school day.
Students who have breakfast can access the school building at 7:50 A.M. Upon arrival, they should proceed directly to the Commons Area. After breakfast, students will return outside and enter the elementary building at 8:10 A.M., when the official school day begins. It is important to note that students are not permitted to enter the elementary building until 8:10 A.M.
Students will be dismissed from the main doors by the office.
Crosswalks: To prioritize students' safety, we request that everyone consistently use the designated crosswalks when dropping off or picking up students. We emphasize that our top priority is ensuring the safety of our students, and we discourage any attempts to walk between school buses, as it poses a significant safety risk. We would like for both parents and students to use the designated crosswalks exclusively.
Parking Advisory: To ensure the safety of our students, staff, and visitors, please make sure you are parked legally when dropping off or picking up your children before and after school. You can avoid potential issues by following parking regulations.
Parent Contact Information: Please notify the elementary office if your email address or telephone number changes. It is imperative that we are able to contact you in case of a school-wide emergency or your child becomes ill. Also, keeping your contact information current will ensure you receive notices and announcements from the school.
Extra Clothing: Please send an extra set of clothing with your child. It is important we have an additional set of clothing in the event of spills, mud, accidents, and wet clothing from recess. Thank you.
Outdoor Recess: As we enter spring, there are days with decreasing temperatures; it's essential to remember that your child(ren) will have outdoor recess every day, weather permitting. Your assistance in ensuring your students come to school adequately prepared for the weather is greatly appreciated. Unless the temperature is 60 degrees or higher, please ensure your child wears a jacket or coat. Additionally, during the winter months, students must have the appropriate outdoor attire, such as layers, hats, mittens/gloves, scarves, boots, and snow pants when the snow is on the ground or mud on the playground. Thank you in advance for helping make sure your child feels comfortable outside at recess. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the Elementary Office at (507) 553-5810.
Lost and Found: Please consider checking the tables in the Commons area, near the vending machine, for any misplaced items belonging to your child. To prevent your child's items from ending up in Lost and Found, please ensure all clothing is labeled correctly with their name.
Spotlight on...
Spotlight on the Class of 2037 - Kindergarten Round Up
Last week, we had the pleasure of welcoming the incoming class of 2037 to our kindergarten round-up. During this event, students were introduced to USC staff members, received essential lessons on bus safety while touring the community, and had ample time for exploration and play.
We eagerly anticipate their arrival this fall.
Spotlight on Rock Your Socks Day!
On March 21st, the USC students and staff joined in the celebration of World Down Syndrome Day. In honor of this occasion, everyone sported brightly colored, mismatched socks, and the second grade class marked the day with a special 3-21 photo.
Spotlight on Fourth-Grade
In Ms. Norman's fourth-grade class, students delved into the concept of perpendicular, parallel, and intersecting lines through drawing and identification exercises. They familiarized themselves with fundamental geometric terms such as point, line, line segment, and ray, each accompanied by corresponding hand motions to enhance their understanding and retention of the concepts.
Spotlight on Sixth-Grade
In Ms. Jewison's sixth-grade class, students were taught the fundamentals of understanding and writing inequalities to describe real-world scenarios clearly and concisely. Through interactive lessons and practical examples, students gained proficiency in crafting inequalities that accurately represent various situations and reflect their comprehension of the underlying concepts. This foundational knowledge will empower them to tackle more complex mathematical challenges with confidence in the future.
Spotlight on Sixth-Grade
In Ms. Knutson's sixth-grade science class, students explored ocean currents by utilizing a model to discern the factors influencing their direction. They eagerly shared their insights into the movement of currents, particularly along the Gulf Stream. Through this exploration, students gained a deeper understanding of Earth's oceans and developed a newfound appreciation for the complex interactions shaping Earth’s oceans.
Spotlight on USC Staff
Staff gathered to celebrate third-grade teacher Anne Feist's remarkable milestone: five years cancer-free. Wearing pink attire, they came together to show support, forming a human ribbon to commemorate the occasion.
Out and About at USC
Jennifer Taylor, USC Elementary Principal
Email: jtaylor@unitedsouthcentral.org
Location: 600 11th Street Southwest, Wells, MN, USA
Phone: 507-553-5810